Ince cites Reading as example as Holloway vows to bounce back

Reading lost to Swansea in the Wembley showpiece 12 months ago before surging to the title and promotion back to the Premier League this season.

Blackpool, like Saturday’s opponents West Ham, were targeting an immediate return to the top flight following relegation.

Ince will have to wait a little longer for his big chance in the Premier League after former Barsnley winger Ricardo Vaz Te struck three minutes from time to give the Hammers a 2-1 victory.

But the 20-year-old replied to the taunts of West Ham fans with a superb equaliser early in the second half to cancel out Carlton Cole’s opening goal.

Ince’s father Paul left Upton Park under a cloud after being photographed in a Manchester United shirt while still a Hammers player. The West Ham faithful took it out on his son – but to no avail.

“That didn’t bother me, I’m just devastated at the result. We created the better chances in the game,” said Ince.

“Whatever happened with my dad happened and you have just got to deal with it. All I can do is what I do on the pitch, so it was nice to get a goal.

“The most important thing now is that we bounce back. We have to look at Reading and what they did – they were in the same position as us last year and ran away in the league this season.

“We will be trying to emulate that and we will be determined to go straight up next time.”

Ian Holloway revealed victory would have earned Blackpool’s players a share of a £5m bonus.

Manager Holloway, who shrugged off reports linking him with Aston Villa, said: “The players certainly did me proud. Some things in life are harsh and it certainly feels that way at the moment.

“It was on a knife edge, it’s the spin of a coin, and it’s dropped their way so well done, good luck to them, we’ll dust ourselves down and start again.”